Particularly suited to individuals who wish to study a wide range of music disciplines, the Major in Integrative Music Studies program provides the opportunity for both flexibility and depth of study. The program offers students courses in music theory, aural perception, analysis, instrumentation and arranging, and independent study for students who wish to combine skills at an advanced level.

First-year courses may include Theory and Aural Training, Private Study, Music History, Music electives and general electives. Following successful completion of the first-year core courses, students in the Major in Integrative Music Studies may apply to transfer into one of the Specializations.

Courses

For a list of required courses, please download the Program Guide according to your year of entry and refer to the Course Descriptions. Schedules for courses are available on the class schedules website.

Admission

STEP 1: Apply to Concordia

All NEW applicants must complete the online admissions application before booking an appointment for a theory test, or submitting a portfolio.

Learn more about general admission requirements, including minimum educational qualifications, required documents, proof of language proficiency and mature student entry

If you are already a student at Concordia please review the following instructions:

• Concordia students currently enrolled in a BFA undergraduate degree:  Complete the “Internal Transfer of Program Request Form” and submit it to the Department of Music at EV-2.705.  You must submit this first in order to be allowed to sign up for a theory test.

• Concordia students currently enrolled in another faculty (e.g. Arts & Science): Go to Birk Student Service Centre (LB-185) and complete a “Degree Transfer Form”.  Bring a photocopy of the form, with proof of payment, to the Music offices at EV-2.705.  You must submit this first in order to be allowed to sign up for a theory test. 

• Note that if you are applying to a Minor in Music  you must complete the “Internal Transfer of Program Request Form”, irrespective of the faculty you currently belong to, and submit it to the Department of Music at EV-2.705.  You must submit this first in order to be allowed to sign up for a theory test.  Applicants to the Minor in Music do not audition.

 

STEP 2: Theory Test and Ear Training Test Sign-up

 

Applicants are required to complete theory and ear-training tests (dictation, and sight tests). It is the applicant’s responsibility to book a theory test apointment date by filling out the booking form available HERE.

Testing for Fall 2012 admission will be held on February 18th, 25th, and March 17th from 9AM to mid-afternoon.

Applicants taking the Theory Placement Test should demonstrate proficiency with: intervals, transposition, basic chord construction, basic harmonic movement, jazz chord notation and/or figured bass notation (for classical students), and analysis skills (melodic, harmonic, and formal). Counterpoint will be tested to determine possible exemptions.

 

STEP 3  : Audition/interview

Applicants will be informed of the results of their theory and ear training tests by e-mail. Successful applicants will also be booked for an audition on one of the following dates: March 3rd, 10th or 24th.

Applicants should be prepared to play two or three pieces of their choice, in contrasting styles. There are no specified pieces required. Performers requiring accompaniment must arrange for their own accompanist. Only one other accompanying instrument is permitted. Composers/arrangers are asked to bring in scores and audition pieces on the day of their audition.

Out-of-town applicants unable to attend live auditions will be e-mailed separate instructions.

It is important to note that a high standard of performance is essential and expected in the audition. The artistic balance of the candidate's program is considered in the final assessment.

Audition formats: in general for all instruments, applicants are asked to play two or three pieces of their choice, in contrasting styles, with each pieces being 4-5 minutes long.

Piano

• Perform two contrasting pieces or one piece and a contrasting study (maximum total performance time about 8-10 minutes - 4 or 5 minutes per piece). Contrasting means two pieces that demonstrate different strengths in your playing - they could be different styles i.e. baroque and romantic or if you are a jazz person, a bebop tune and a more contemporary tune. Or it could simply be two pieces that demonstrate different techniques or approaches to the expression of music.

Drum

• Snare Drum - a prepared etude or solo - rudimental (bring 2 copies)
• A prepared snare drum or drum set study - not rudimental
• Play time with a jazz feel
• Play time and take four bar solos or eight bar solos.
• Play with brushes.
• Play a Latin rhythm at the set.
• Play a South American rhythm at the set (bossa nova or samba)
• Sight read a snare drum part.
• Sight read a drum chart.
• Play a jazz and/or Latin groove along with another instrumentalist

 

Bass

• Two pieces
• Jazz theme - Walk a bass line
• Improvise on changes
• Classical piece: Sturm, Kreutzer, Bach etc.
• Sight-readings in both styles

 

Guitar (jazz)

• One jazz standard
• One study - jazz or classical étude
• Major and minor scales
• Major and minor arpeggios
• Sight reading - single line, chord symbols

 

Guitar (classical)

• One piece
• One study - classical étude
• Major and minor scales
• Major and minor arpeggios
• Sight reading - simple lines

 

Vocal Auditions

There are two possible streams for vocal auditions: (1) non-classical or (2) classical.

 

For the non-classical stream, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the following:
1 memorized slow tempo/ballad Standard
1 memorized *medium tempo/swing standard (candidate should exhibit the will to swing in their vocal delivery)
*Vocal improvisation (scat singing) or vocalise is optional but will be permitted and is encouraged if candidate would like to demonstrate as it further displays ability to integrate melody, harmony and rhythm within the body of their selected song.

 

For the classical stream, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the following:
1 memorized Opera, oratorio, or art song aria in English
1 memorized Opera, oratorio, or art song or lieder aria in one of the four following languages: French, Italian, German, Spanish
Candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in pronunciation of each language they choose. Arias and recitatives from oratorio and opera must be sung in the original language.

 

 

Candidates of both streams are expected to bring one accompanist. In some instances, a recorded CD accompaniment track may be permitted. In even rarer cases, a DVD may be permitted. Please consult the academic advisor, Prof. Jeri Brown at jongleur@eastlink.ca for approval for any of these exceptions, prior to the audition date.
Candidates are expected to arrive one half hour prior to the audition and notify the auditioner of arrival.
Candidates are expected to provide one copy of each of their song selections for the auditioner.